With the OIC reveiw board process getting close, would like to hear some good tips/pointers from those that have sat before the review boards within the past year or two.

I would appreciate it if this thread did not turn into a review board bash fest where everyone gives there two cents on what they would change to make the process better. Just looking for some solid advice.

Lardman421, please refrain from posting retarded stuff on this one, thanks.

Here are a few pointers for you:

Make sure you have a sharp appearance and pay very close attention to things such as having your ribbons in the proper order, collar device placement, haircut, etc.

When you enter the room, march and use deliberate type movements, such as squaring corners. Show the board that you are serious about earning your certification from the moment you walk through that door.

Greet all members of the board as they introduce themselves to you. Treat them with the utmost respect throughout the duration of the board. Thank them for any feedback they may have to offer you. I took notes on all the feedback that the board members offered me.

Visit your local worklife staff prior to the board and make sure you are up on all the latest with the programs they have to offer.

You will be nervous and the board members know that, but try to refrain from rocking back and forth in the chair, wringing your hands, playing with rings, watches, pen/pencil etc.

Study, study, study and remember that you probably will not answer all of their questions correctly. If you don't, so be it. You should atleast know where to find the answers and provide that to the board. Try not to use this as a crutch though. The worst thing you can do is to go into the board and be totally unprepared.

I was fortunate enough to certify Multi-mission Afloat/Ashore and ATON ashore the first time I appeared before the board, so I hope these pointers help. Let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck!

+1 for the above.

A few additions - make sure that Direct Access (PeopleSoft) is correct and up to date in regards to your Honors and Awards. Some boards will print out your info and compare it to what your are wearing. Keep in mind that ALL qualification pins (COXN, Cuttersman, PSU, TACLET, etc) should be listed as well.

Once you have "marched" in next to your seat, do not sit down until you are directed to sit.

There will more than likely be a glass of water for you. Do not drink during the board, unless you can do so without the nervous shake.

Study your butt off, contact me offline via Global and I'll send you some study guides.

Good Luck,
OIC Afloat/Ashore MM and Ashore ATON sends

Avoid using the answers of "I'd call my Sector Commander for guidance/assistance/help", you want to be an OinC, not an OOD. Or another all time favorite "I'd look in COMDTINST xxxxx for guidance" but then not know an answer other than a number.

And don't turn ghost white if some crusty old Boatswains Mate slides a Mo'Board in front of you.

BMCM certified MM/AtoN ashore/afloat and past District/Area board member sends

I agree with all above. My first pre board was pretty stressfull. They gave me some tips, and told me to come back. 6 months later, I was back, and prepared. Breezed through the pre board and on to the D1 review board.

Answer the best you can, and dont BS them. You get caught in that trap, your done. If you dont know the answer, say so.

Another tip is to try ordering some minithin ribbons. While they might be a little pricy, the appearance cant be beaten.

T

First thing, obtain a copy of your HQ PDR. The board will have a copy of it. Anything negative they will ask you about. Second, be honest. If you do not know something tell them that. Be respectful in all situations. The board is designed to pressure you in some situations to see how you respond, the board members are all very professional and have a great deal of experience, they know what you are going through. Present a sense of professionalism throughout the board, not to the point of a "know it all" but a person that is sure of himself and your abilities. Last, know your material, know what the hot topics are, the standard material (which is everything and anything).

Pay attention to the message board. Make sure you read carefully any messages that come out with policy changes, especially those that deal with boat forces units. Also try to get up with what the current issues the CMCs are following up on. I have heard from candidates in the past where the District CMC hit them up on IDPs and the ULDP which were the hot topics at the time of the board.

OIC MM Ashore/Afloat certified in 98.

Good luck.

good advice by all.

the board also wants to see how you think on your feet. follow all the above advice and you will be able to think on your feet. if it hasn't changes dramatically you better be familiar with your epo duties too.

later good luck.

cliff
former oic multi ashore afloat aton ashore afloat.

ps former cause i am retired!!

All the above advice is dead on. Know everything inside and out. Know the current burning issues within the CG and learn them. Get with work life either in person or on the phone. Discuss with them the current hot topics and make sure you understand them. Get with your EPO...know his/her job inside and out. Get with your local F&S and make sure you understand property and finance. Find an FSO and have them show you all the galley info and paperwork. There is a lot of it....learn it all.

If anyone wants some study info, shoot me an email in Global. I have plenty to help you out.

-MM Afloat/Ashore certified Spring 2005 D8-

There is a lot of outstanding advice in here. Remeber you are going for your OIC Cerification(s) so answer the questions as you are the OIC. At all times maintain your command presense. Be respectful to all. When I went through my board I looked the person who was asking the question in the eye. I sat a attention in my chair and kept my hands in my lap. That way they could not see me nervously squeezing my hands together.
Also, there are a lot of OIC College Programs out there try to attend one of them. It will be wroth your time.
Good luck

Jay

ap5fan-BMCM Leask has two links from the OIC colleges at Sector Del Bay and Sta St. Clair Shores on his website below. The modules seperate the different areas to study pretty well, but it is not substitute for the reviewing the references directly. I'll be sitting this Spring as well so Good Luck to you!

http://www.uscg.mil/comdt/mcpocg/rate%2Dforce%5Fnotes/docs/BM.pdf

Never sat the board as a candidate, but participated a few times as a Silver Badge.

First, your goal is to get through the board, not be a great OIC. By this I mean you are trying to do well on the board only, when you get the chance as an OIC you may make different decisions given the same scenario you have on the board.

Visit with all of the CO's and OIC's that are in your area. Get their input before you go to the board.

The selection process does not just start when you walk in the room, it has already started. We had many discussions about candidates long before their packages were finalized.

Before I open the can of worms about whether a non-OIC should participate in a board or not; I never voted nor do I think anyone who is not Command certified should. We should have input, but the ultimate decision should be the OIC's and CO's making a recommendation to the Captain.

Good luck with your board. I have had the privilege to work with and envy quite a few outstanding OIC's, that Command pin really means something. Being in Command even more.

All of the above recommendations are great. Good luck on your Sector board. If you are recommended to go to the Dist work even harder. A lot of people slack off thinking they know it all. Thats when you need to work harder. Reed all you can get your hands on and be up to date on the latest changes. Good luck.

Alright shipmates. I went yesterday before the District board and I received Aton afloat and ashore and multi mission ashore. I am happy but after all my studying and working for this I was more humbled yesterday and today more than anything. Anyone needs any good info let me know I will be glad to send you what I got or tell you some areas you better be ready for.

Good luck to the folks that haven't gone yet.

John

OBX -

Congrats! Man....thats one heck of a feeling walking out with those certs, isn't it?!?! I'm sure all the those long hours studying and years of exp have finally paid off! Now step up and screen for OIC this time around! The screening msg just hit the board last week or so. I hope to see your name on the screening message when it comes out!

Congrats again!

Thanks Chief,

Man what a feeling. I'm just happy its over with. I am going to screen. Hopefully I can go to a ANT. I'm also taking the SWE so hopefully this could be a big year. All I know right now is turkey season in 2 weeks. Have you been up this way to look around yet?

Thanks again Chief.

John

quote:

Originally posted by OBXNCBM:
Thanks Chief,

Man what a feeling. I'm just happy its over with. I am going to screen. Hopefully I can go to a ANT. I'm also taking the SWE so hopefully this could be a big year. All I know right now is turkey season in 2 weeks. Have you been up this way to look around yet?

Thanks again Chief.

John

No need to look around for me. The beauty of the internet! I already have a house lined up with a great location (ie: deer in the backyard) and great schools for my daughter. Short commute to work and back compared to my 170 mile round trip that I do now! (and diesel just crossed that dreaded $4/gal mark down here!). Up there a tank will last me a month with the short drive, plus I have the bike and will even be close enough to ride the mountain bike back and forth (yeah....right!).

As for the feeling of passing the board...I remember having a $hit eating grin on my face for the entire 7 hour drive back from NOLA after passing my board! I don't remember a single mile of it, though! I was in heaven!

Study hard for the SWE. You never know...you may successfully screen OIC and pin on some Anchors! Then your OIC picks open up big time on where you could go!

Good luck!
Seth